Hey, I just had a quick question. What positive effects can one expect if medicated with Anti-Androgens if they have already been through puberty? My therapist told me about them and given me homework to make an informed decision on them but I have no idea of the positive effects of them. I've only heard the negative ones. This is for someone who isn't sure they want estrogen (or however you spell it) yet, but is very uncomfortable with the body they are in and needs change to feel more comfortable with themselves. Also I don't need life advice here, I just want the solid facts of what it does. Even if it is just confirming the negative ones.

Thanks a Bunch =D

Taylor

Hey Taylor!

Welcome to Susan's    Great to have you here - looking forward to seeing you around the forum.

A while back, when I was deciding to bail from my first attempt at transition, I asked my endocrinologist about having a castration. His response was that I would still need to have a sex hormone, either testosterone or estrogen. The main risk for adults is osteoporosis. There could be similar risks if you were on anti-androgens - so that would need to be watched. Other effects could include fatigue and tiredness. Have a read of this article as it describes some of the effects of low testosterone in genetic males.

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Cheers

Grace

Hi Taylor

I started taking anti-androgens (specifically, cyproterone acetate) at the same time as low dose estrogen, so it's a bit hard for me to separate the two. However, some things I experienced were:

• Softer, less oily skin
• Libido decreased significantly
• Infertility -- I believe this is reversible with some AAs, but can be permanent with others
• Clearer thinking, more able to focus
• Lower energy, lethargic at times -- lower energy is normal, but the lethargy is a side effect of my cypro dosage; doc intends to switch my AA at next appt
• No more 24/7 "dysphoria buzz" (so happy about this one!)
• Slight breast growth -- while my E levels were still in male range, this was very minor

As for effects being positive vs. negative, I think that's a really individual thing actually. Fertility was a big negative for me (as such, I "banked" prior to startings AAs) but for those who have kids already, it might not be a problem. Similarly, libido is a big one for some people, but I'm "ace" with bottom dysphoria, so loss of "male" sexual function was kinda in the "oh well" category

All the best with your journey!

I would add that it is possible to protect your bones if you take in sufficient calcium. I take one tablet a day and consume about 2 cups of milk a day in addition to other dairy. If your intake is sufficient, your body will have no need to draw from your bones. I also have sufficient vitamin D through diet and sun exposure for the calcium to be effective. When I went off the hormones 10 years ago, I was aware of this danger and made sure I was protected.

Something not mentioned is hot flashes. You may go through a year or two of them while your body adjust to the lack of a sex hormone. They will end but it will take time.